Science fiction and the birth of innovation

Some of the world’s greatest inventions have science fiction to thank for their easy-adoption and popularity among consumers.

Star TrekThe science fiction franchise "Star Trek" has inspired a number of innovations and given the world a vision of what intergalactic space travel could look like. The first, original episode of the show aired on Sept. 8, 1966. In 1986, the film "'Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" hit theaters. Pictured left to right in that film are Leonard Nimoy as Spock, DeForest Kelley as Dr. McCoy, George Takei as Hikaru Sulu, Nichelle Nichols as Uhura, James Doohan as Montgomery "Scotty" Scott, and William Shatner as Capt. James Kirk.Bruce Birmelin/Paramount Pictures